This wedding was highly anticipated by friends and family, they might have even joked that it was a long time coming (Katherine’s convinced she was ready to marry Anthony 9 years ago!). But it finally happened! Heritage Prairie Farms was the perfect backdrop, even when the storm clouds rolled in. In fact the ceremony concluded with just enough time for the guests to duck under umbrellas and rush to the barn! Although the stormy weather was not ideal, it was incredibly charming (and I dare say romantic) to hide out in a greenhouse for photos while the rain came down… and then the rain gave way to a gorgeous sunset and beautiful evening. Katherine and Anthony’s details were terrific, from the nautical napkins, colors and patterns, to the Groom’s scotch bar. Lauren from Ryan Alexander Events did an amazing job pulling it all together (and keeping everyone dry!), Heritage Prairie Farms served up delicious locally sourced dishes, everyone danced like crazy, and the evening was topped off with lanterns filling the night sky. Magical!
Time to get married… at last!
The clouds started rolling in…
We hid out in the greenhouse until the rain stopped.
Party time!
This wedding was worth the wait, congrats Katherine and Anthony! May you always have shelter from life’s storms and light up each other’s nights!
Second photographer: Jamie Hartley
Hair and makeup: Hair: Zazu Hair Salon & Day Spa (Naperville); Make-up: Cynthia Sally, owner of Blend Beauty, Inc.
Florist: Avant Gardenia
Ceremony location: Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn, IL
Reception location: Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn, IL
Event Planner: Lauren Housley, Ryan Alexander Events
Officiant: Andrea Brown
Cake: Cake and macaroons from Sugar Fixe in Oak Park, IL, cupcakes from Crumbs Bakery
Caterer: Heritage Prairie Farm
Invitations/Stationary: Courtney Callahan Paper
Dress: Elizabeth Todd in London, UK
Accessories: Earrings from adorn.com, Hairpins from The Left Bank in Chicago, IL
Suit/Men’s accessories: Shirt from Charles Tyrwhitt, Pants from Banana Republic, Jackets from Men’s Warehouse, Invicta watches
DJ/Band: Monastero Entertainment
First Dance: “At Last” by Etta James
Parent dances: “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” by Van Morrison
Q&A with the bride:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Katherine: Anthony and I left the party for a few minutes to sit on a picnic bench by ourselves and relish the moment. It was nice to take a step back and take it all in.
What was your favorite detail?
Katherine: Bride’s cocktail (Pimm’s No. 1 Cup), Scotch Bar and the food. We worked with Chef Nick to design every detail of the menu and we loved sharing our passion for good food with our friends and family. One of Anthony’s foodie friends commented, “I’ve never seen 3 proteins at a wedding!”
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Katherine: My dad’s toast. He was so nervous. He spent days editing and practicing his speech. It was very sweet and very sincere…and very funny because he really had to fumble through it.
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Katherine: Don’t leave any details until the last minute and tell your vendors exactly what you want.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Katherine: Rain dance? I would have preferred sunny skies, an outdoor cocktail hour and raised tent flaps. We had to go with contingency plans for many aspects of the wedding due to the rain, but I’m glad that Anthony made the call to conduct the ceremony outdoors during the15 minute window between storm cells. I’m sure our guests were watching the thunderheads rolling in, but we didn’t notice! We made it to the greenhouse for photos just before the rain poured down.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Katherine: Thailand and Portugal
A little history…
How did you meet? (How long have you known each other?)
We met in 2002 when we both worked for Kimberly-Clark in Beech Island, South Carolina. One day we shared a golf cart and the rest is history. A long history…
When did you know he/she was “the one”?
At least 9 years before we got married.
Describe the proposal.
Our first international trip was to Buenos Aires with 60 of Anthony’s Stanford GSB classmates. On our last day, I bided my time sipping Diet Coke under a giant oak tree with Anthony’s friend Tad. A bird pooped on my head and Tad kindly picked it out of my hair so that I wouldn’t have to get on a 10 hour flight in that condition. Years later, Anthony proposed to me under that tree. I was not thrilled about having to sit under that tree again. But he insisted on eating breakfast at that café. I should have known something was up when he ordered pie and fidgeted constantly. He stayed seated across from me at the table and held the ring between his fingers. He didn’t actually ask me anything and I couldn’t fully see the ring. He’d given me diamond jewelry in the past, so I wasn’t going to assume that it was an engagement ring. So I asked, “What is that?” And he said, “What do you think?” I don’t think there was ever a “would you marry me” question or a “yes” answer. But, we were engaged none the less!